S0027: Vinorelbine Followed by Docetaxel in Treating Patients With Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: * Histologically or cytologically confirmed, newly diagnosed, advanced primary non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (adenocarcinoma, large cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or unspecified), designated as 1 of the following stages: * Selected stage IIIB (excluding Pancoast tumors) * T4 lesion due to malignant pleural effusion OR * Multiple lesions in a single lobe containing a T3 or T4 primary * Stage IV (any T, any N, M1) * Recurrent disease after prior surgery and/or radiotherapy * Measurable or evaluable disease outside of prior radiation port * No bronchoalveolar carcinoma * No brain metastases PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: * 18 and over Performance status: * Zubrod 0-1 (for age 70 and over) (Age 70 and older with Zubrod 0-1 stratum closed to accrual as of 2/15/2003) * Zubrod 2 (for age 18 and over) Life expectancy: * Not specified Hematopoietic: * Absolute granulocyte count at least 1,500/mm\^3 * Platelet count at least 100,000/mm\^3 Hepatic: * Bilirubin no greater than upper limit of normal (ULN) * SGOT/SGPT no greater than 2 times ULN if alkaline phosphatase is no greater than ULN OR * Alkaline phosphatase no greater than 4 times ULN if SGOT/SGPT are no greater than ULN Renal: * Not specified Other: * No prior severe hypersensitivity to docetaxel or other drugs formulated with polysorbate 80 * No grade 2 or greater sensory neuropathy * No other malignancy within the past 5 years except adequately treated basal cell or squamous cell skin cancer, carcinoma in situ of the cervix, or other adequately treated stage I or II cancer in complete remission * Not pregnant or nursing * Fertile patients must use effective contraception PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: * No prior or concurrent biologic therapy for NSCLC * No concurrent filgrastim (G-CSF) Chemotherapy: * No prior systemic chemotherapy for NSCLC Endocrine therapy: * No prior or concurrent hormonal therapy for NSCLC Radiotherapy: * See Disease Characteristics * At least 3 weeks since prior radiotherapy and recovered * Concurrent palliative radiotherapy to small-field nonmeasurable lesions (i.e., painful bony lesions) allowed * No other concurrent radiotherapy Surgery: * See Disease Characteristics * At least 3 weeks since prior thoracic or other major surgery and recovered